§ Mr. WILESasked the Secretary of State for War whether leave can be granted to privates in regiments stationed in this country in rotation instead of in the irregular manner as appears to be the case generally?
§ Mr. FORSTERFresh instructions are being issued on this point with a view to the avoidance as far as possible of what may seem to be inequalities in the grant of leave. It is impossible, however, to promise that rotation will be absolutely observed, as special consideration has to be given to the ease of men who have been warned for foreign service.
§ Mr. WILESasked the Secretary of State for War what leave is granted to privates in the Royal Engineers stationed at Saltpans, near Sandwich; whether he is aware that one of the acting sergeants requested men to give him their fares in envelopes, and that the sergeant is now missing with about £30 of the soldiers' savings; and, if so, will the money be refunded by the Department?
§ Mr. FORSTERAs the building work in hand at the place mentioned was extremely urgent it became necessary to suspend ordinary leave during the summer months. The majority of the troops concerned were recruits, who would not have been entitled to leave in any case, though special leave in connection with urgent family or private affairs has been given. Normal leave has now been resumed, and all those who have been working during the summer are being given special leave68W as quickly as possible. The facts in the latter part of the question are as stated, but I cannot at present say whether a refund will be made. This point is being considered.